Belvedere Castle

The Basics

Belvedere Castle serves as a scenic lookout for park visitors. Climb to the top of the castle tower and gaze out over the Ramble, Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the open-air Delacorte Theater. Belvedere Castle is most commonly seen from afar and is often included as a stop on bike tours, e-bike tours, walking tours, running tours, and pedicab tours of Central Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Belvedere Castle is a must for travelers looking for a reprieve from the urban bustle of NYC.

• The lookout at the top of the castle tower is accessible only via a narrow spiral staircase and is therefore not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible.

• Turtle Park, situated at the base of Belvedere Castle, is a designated quiet zone and offers scenic views of the castle.

How to Get There

Find Belvedere Castle in the center of Central Park, north of the 79th Street Transverse and south of the Great Lawn. To get here by public transit, ride the subway (B or C trains) to 81st Street–Museum of Natural History. The castle is 5-10 minutes from the station on foot.

When to Get There

Central Park is busiest on sunny weekends, though its large size means it’s able to cope well with crowds. You may, however, have to wait to climb up the twisting stairway of the castle’s tower, as it can only accommodate limited numbers. To avoid waiting in line, come midweek when Belvedere Castle is typically quieter.

What Else to See in Central Park

Belvedere Castle is just one of many major attractions contained within the 843-acre (341-hectare) sprawl of Central Park. Go creature-spotting at the Central Park Zoo, pay homage to John Lennon at the Strawberry Fields memorial, go boating on the Lake, or—from late October to April—skate on the Wollman Rink.

Ways to explore

Belvedere Castle is free to visit, and no booking is required. Within the castle, a visitor center features natural history artifacts, microscopes, and telescopes; outside, birders observe the diverse species that flock here, including birds of prey. The site is also featured on many guided tours of Central Park, from laid-back pedicab tours to walking and bike tours. Another option is to book a bike rental and explore the park on your own—many rentals provide everything you need, including locks and helmets.

Accessibility

The lower level of Belvedere Castle is wheelchair accessible, but the upper terraces are reached via staircases.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, binoculars (for bird-watching)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring Central Park, where surfaces range from paved paths to dirt trails.

Not allowed

Alcohol, drones, smoking

Amenities

Visitor center, gift shop (no restrooms on site)

Address

Belvedere Castle is located in Central Park, just north of the 79th Street Transverse, between the Great Lawn and the Ramble.

Driving

You can drive to Belvedere Castle, but there’s nowhere to park once you arrive, so most visitors find it more convenient to hail a taxi, book a rideshare, or take public transit.

Public transportation

Belvedere Castle is a 0.3-mile (0.5-kilometer) walk away from the 81st Street–Museum of Natural History Subway station, served by the B and C trains. Alternatively, take the M79-SBS bus to the East 79th Street Transverse/Central Park stop.

Best times to visit

The castle tends to be quietest right when it opens, at 10am, and again toward its 5pm closing time.

Best days to visit

Belvedere Castle is open daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) but gets busy on weekends, especially Sundays. Come during the week to see it with fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

Central Park is especially beautiful in the fall months of October and November, when the foliage turns color.

Special events

Year-round events are open to the public and often free, including bird-watching in spring, stargazing in summer, and fall foliage tours. Register on the castle website to attend.